Businesswoman accused of sh1.5b land fraud seeks bail

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A businesswoman accused of fraudulently obtaining sh1.5b by falsely claiming to be the daughter of the late Paul Bakyenga has applied for bail.

Annah Asiimwe, 30, allegedly promised to transfer property belonging to the late Bakyenga, to Jordan Ssendegeya as part of the transaction

Richard Rugambwa, representing Asiimwe, applied for bail at the Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court, presided over by Justice Lawrence Gidudu. He assured the court that Asiimwe would not abscond from trial, emphasizing her presumption of innocence. Charged in July 2024, Asiimwe has been on remand since then.

While applying for bail on December 11, 2024, Rugambwa urged the court to consider the time Asiimwe has already spent on remand and to grant her bail pending the scheduling of her case hearing.

“My Lord, the accused has been on remand for the past six months and is willing to abide by the bail conditions if granted,” Rugambwa stated.

He further requested the court to consider the three sureties presented by Asiimwe, saying that they are committed to ensuring her appearance in court whenever required.

However, Senior State Attorney, Terpista Nam, from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) opposed the bail application, arguing that Asiimwe is likely to interfere with ongoing investigations.

Nam stated that investigations revealed Asiimwe has been transacting on her account, which is under scrutiny as part of the inquiries. She also argued that the sureties presented by Asiimwe have not demonstrated sufficient financial capacity to meet the bail terms.

Nam further noted that, the charges against Asiimwe are serious, carrying a potential penalty of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of sh200m.

Prosecution’s case

It is alleged that Asiimwe on January 15, 2023, in Mbarara city forged a letter of confirmation dated January 16, 2011, addressed to Ssendegeya claiming it was signed by Mukami Kariuki of the World Bank Group whereas not.

Nam alleged that on August 17, 2023, within Mbarara city, Asiimwe forged a letter of activity review approval addressed to Ssendegeya. The letter falsely claimed to have been issued by Kampala Archbishop Paul Ssemwogerere.

Money laundering charges

On charges of money laundering, the prosecution further alleged that on July 17, 2024, in Mbarara City, Asiimwe used sh35m of the sh1.5b to purchase a plot of land at Kyarwabuganda Cell, Kakoma Parish, from Robert Mwebaze. It is alleged that Asiimwe knew the money was the proceeds of a crime and used it to conceal the illicit source.

It is alleged that on July 23, 2021, at Kempungu LC1 Zone in Mbarara city, Asiimwe and others still at large used sh40m to purchase a plot of land at Kyarwabuganda Cell, Kakoma Ward, from Boaz Nyatira.  The prosecution said the transaction was reportedly carried out to disguise the illicit origin of the funds.

Additionally, the prosecution alleges that on October 14, 2023, in Mbarara city, Asiimwe transferred a motor vehicle, registration number UBM 44TC Toyota Harrier, to Brian Lubega. The vehicle was allegedly acquired illicitly, and Asiimwe reportedly knew at the time that it was the proceeds of a crime. The transfer was allegedly intended to conceal the illicit source of the vehicle.

According to the prosecution, on July 11, 2024, at Kabaare LC1 Zone in Mbarara city, Asiimwe purchased another plot of land for sh12m from Bruno Twinamatsiko, allegedly knowing that the money used was proceeds of a crime.

Additionally, Asiimwe is accused of buying a plot of land from Pison Byamukama for sh32m in July 2021, despite being aware that the funds were illicitly acquired.